Coping with training anxiety

Today I’ll be trying a hot yoga class at a new studio for the first time. I feel anxious about it. I always do when I try something new. But here’s the key, just show up.

Recently, I added a kickboxing to my training regiment. I was terrified the day before, during and after. But I just showed up and did the work. My approach to coping with anxiety has been to simply do. Show up every time, over and over again. The simple act of doing, even when you are scared or nervous, helps it become easier each time. Not easy, easier.

Over time I’ve learned that it’s never as bad as I make it in my head. And if you repeat this process time and time again, it gets easier. If you repeat this 100 times, eventually logic and reason will tame the anxiety just a little bit. Notice I used the word tame, because it doesn’t go away, anxiety is always there, but the level of intensity is lowered. How you respond to it is improved. It gets easier.

So yes, I am nervous about this class tonight. I’ll be the new outsider face. I know that I will be judged because of how tight I am. I know I’ll look funny in my tights. I know I will struggle in this class. But you know what? I’m there and I’m working on myself. Though I am anxious, I’m not that anxious, I’ve done this 100 times before, remember? DO! That’s its, that’s all I got, and that’s all there is to it.

Finally, don’t forget, this is your journey, no one else’s. So just show up and do the work. You don’t even have to think about this one, you are not the instructor. All you have to do is show up and do the work.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I’m just some schmuck sharing my experience and how I cope with anxiety. This is not medical or even remotely professional advice, this is just what I do. Whether or not it will work for you is up to you and your medical team. Stay strong my friends, it gets easier.